June 12, 2017
Rongowhakaata resident iwi at Te Papa
Ngati Toa Rangatira has been farewelled from Te Papa Tongarewa and the paepae is now with Rongowhakaata, whose taonga go on display on September 29,
The East Coast tribe is back today to mark the 150th annivesary of their house Te Hau ki Turanga into the then Dominion Museum.
Te Papa kaihautu Arapata Hakiwai says the next two years should be a time of reconciliation and healing, as well as a chance for the iwi to plan the future of the house, which Rongowhakaata wants to move back to Turanganui a Kiwa.
"I could see the hopes and aspirations of the iwi, Rongowhakaata, and the hope and desire for a really bright future and we certainly at Te Papa Tongarewa want to support that and we are actively supporting Rongowhakaata as far as we can with the restoration of Te Hau ki Turanga," he says.
Dr Hakiwai says the Rongowhakaata exhibition opening September 29 will be spectacular, with almost 100 taonga brought into the museum.
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